14,400 bottles of country liquor seized in Mansa, man held

Police seized 14,400 bottles of country-made liquor from a truck near the Bhikhi-Samao road on Saturday morning. The driver of the truck fled the spot, but his accomplice was arrested. Police said the driver was carrying a fake permit to transport the consignment. The truck (PB 11 BR 9006) is registered in Patiala.

According to a liquor contractor, candidates contesting elections often store liquor for distribution among the voters.(Representative Image)

Police seized 14,400 bottles of country-made liquor from a truck near the Bhikhi-Samao road on Saturday morning. The driver of the truck fled the spot, but his accomplice was arrested. Police said the driver was carrying a fake permit to transport the consignment. The truck (PB 11 BR 9006) is registered in Patiala.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Jasmeet Singh said, “The truck was stopped for checking on a tip-off. Driver Balbir Singh managed to flee, but his accomplice Chinda Singh has been arrested. Chinda worked for a local liquor contractor.” The accused told the police that they were coming from Hoshiarpur. Both the accused have been booked under the Excise Act and the one in police custody will be produced in a court on Sunday.

According to a liquor contractor, candidates contesting elections often store liquor for distribution among the voters. “It seems that the liquor that has been seized is an old stock lying with the contractor of some other area,” said the contractor, on the condition of anonymity. The police have still not quizzed the accused and details are awaited.